Life of a Hockey Widow

The Santa Discussion...Settled!!

First of all, thanks for all of the advice yesterday.  Unfortunately, Matt Lauer blew my cover!  I watch the Today Show every morning - well at least have it on in the background.  Apparently, they talked about it on the show!

I casually mentioned Santa to her yesterday morning and the tears started rolling!  You lied!  This means the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, the Leprechauns, the Summer Bugs, the Full Moon Fairy, they're all lies!  Shit - I guess I lied more than I thought.  "BREATHE AND QUIET DOWN!"  Not prepared, I just sat and listened.  She was in NO WAY ready to hear the truth.  So I made up some more lies of course!  Also, she really has diarrhea of the mouth and her sister would know within 2 minutes of me telling her.  

Yes, Lyla, we buy the gifts.  Santa calls us and gives his report on how you've behaved this year; he watches all of the time.  He also suggests what we need to buy for each child.  Because of his age, Santa is unable to deliver all of the gifts himself.  "So Santa Claus is just like God?" she asked.  WTF??  Now she's using the God comparison?  "What do you mean? I asked.  "Well, just like God is everywhere, Santa is too?"  Not wanting to get into that whole discussion, "Yes, just like God."  "That's whey it's called the Christmas Spirit!"  Lyla led me down that path, and I took it!

Just as I thought, 30 seconds after the conversation, Jake came running upstairs; "You told Lyla about Santa?"  I simply told him that she doesn't know the whole truth - just ignore it.  

After talking with Sopes, we've decided that the lies parents tell are just fine.  She'll thank us for it someday for letting her keep the "holiday magic" for a little while longer!

So on a different note - we had one hell of a day yesterday!  Jayla has gotten a new pair of mittens that let the tips of her fingers peek out, as well as a pair of ear-muffs from out nanny.  She hasn't taken them off - and their causing havoc in the house!  The t.v. is so loud we can't hear ourselves and she's shouting instead of speaking!

Jayla, back at it this morning!

**I need Chicagogrl1 to contact me!!

 

Is Santa Real?

I need some help and advice today!  Our daughter, Lyla, is now wondering about Santa Claus.  She's 8 and in 3rd grade.  She has come to me about 4 different times in the past 2 weeks wondering about the truth.  It wouldn't be so bad keeping up the story, but she puts it in a way that makes me feel terrible!  

"Mom, it must be true, because you would never lie to us...right?"  Or yesterday, Lyla came home from playing with a bunch of friends and was upset.  "The kids were making fun of me because I asked Santa for gifts.  Is Santa real?  I want to make sure that you're not making a fool out of us in front of our friends."  Kill me now!!!  What the hell is the correct response?  Do I tell the truth??  

When Jake found out it wasn't really a big deal.  He went about his normal day - told us that he figured.  He actually said,  "I feel so bad for making such large lists every year."  Lyla is so emotional and dramatic!  So dramatic that we're already dreading the day that a boy breaks up with her!  Sopes says he's going to kill that guy because our life will be hell!!  I'm hoping it's on a weekend, so she'll have recovery time.  Yes, that dramatic!

I know she'll be pretty pissed at us - next will be sobbing over the Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, etc.  I guess the bigger question is, how smooth do we want our holiday to be? Please help!!

The Softer Side of Sopes....

 

Just wanted to share a special message from Sopes.  Of course, e-mail is one way we keep in contact.  Getting little messages like this will put a smile on my face for days.  I guess he misses me as much as I miss him!  I keep all messages from him and print them out for memory books that we have.  The kids will appreciate these long after we're gone.  (YES, I did ask for his permission to reprint this.)

BTW - He did end up making the Advent Calendars.  They are adorable, but LOTS of candy!!!

From:

I'm sitting on the plane thinking about you. You mean the world to me I love calling you 20 times a day just to hear your voice it puts a smile on my voice. I can't wait to get out of the rink to call home and see how your doing. I know you get pissed sometimes when I call home because you have tons to do or the kids are crazy. I'm sorry but sometimes it's nice to hear to craziness because I miss being home so much. Your a jack of all trades and simple amazing at everything you do. Don't ever think I take what you do or who you are for granted because you hold up a high standard in life. I've told you many times how luck I am to have you as my wife and the mother of my children and my best friend.
I miss you sooooo much and love you with all this old body has in me for now and forever. 
Love me. 

Sent from my iPhone

 

Sopes Friday Blog...From Bed!

 

Taking The House Back...MOMMY STYLE!

It’s been really hectic around our house lately.  The blogging has kind of been pushed to the side, but we’re back! 

Between the holidays and the store there really hasn’t been much time left.  If someone told me a year ago that I’d take on all of this without Sopes around I would have been laughing hysterically, forget that, fucking crying!  It’s actually been not that bad.  Lists are the key – and crossing off makes me jump for joy!

On top of all of that, I’m trying to take my house back.  What?!?!?!? Yeah, taking the house back – Mommy style!  I’ve decided that the kids have too much of a say in this house.  Everything seems to be an argument – they usually win.  My guilt with Sopes being gone has dissipated!  The bottom line is that he’s doing this for our family, and we all need to be grateful that he didn’t move us away again.

It’s been so hectic from the time they wake up lately to the time they fall asleep.  Arguments over what they wear, what is eaten, when they play, when they go to bed, what chores they do and what we do for fun.  I have finally had enough!

Four letter words are my friend – they do make me feel better.  The last straw was this weekend when they were questioning purchases that were made.  WTF??  My new favorite line is, “I’m the mommy that’s why”.  I now refuse to even engage in their conversations of, “Why?” When their voices are raised at all, it’s straight to the living room – where there is not a damn thing to do – to sit.  Seriously, I think there was a 3 hour rotation going on last night.  They’ll get the message quick enough.  Two weeks home on Christmas break in my possession should be long enough to curb this shit.

This may sound mean, but it’s not.  I’ve been communicating with all of their teachers lately, and finding out that they are on their best behavior in school leaves me with mixed feelings.  It means that they don’t act like complete idiots in public; just at home – which is great!  On the other hand, they’re doing it because they can get away with it – not great.

This coming year, my New Year’s Resolution may sound a little off, but it’s to raise adults, not children.  I’m determined to make them more independent, and along with this should come confidence.  I admit that I baby them too much and it will only hurt them in the long run.  If I show them that we believe they can do it – they will.

This is Sopes Friday blog – really late.  This time it’s my fault – not his.  

 

 

Is Kissing Sex?

Every have one of those days where you start out more tired than the night before?  That's me today!

Our day yesterday was very hectic with Sopes in town.  We signed the lease, had the kids out of school early to make the most of his day home and taped a segment for Sportsnet.  Leave it to my daughters to respond with, "Wierd and freaky", when asked about my blog.  Seriously, why the hell wasn't that ever mentioned BEFORE cameras were rolling?

It's going to be Christmas before we see him again, so cuddle time was needed.  It's pretty hard for Sopes and I to find a private moment in the house - let alone when the kids are all home.  We had to tell them that we needed to have a private conversation upstairs.  When we came down Lyla and Jake were laughing.  We kept asking what was going on, but they wouldn't say a word.  Finally, Jayla spoke up and said, "Is kissing sex?"  We told them we had called Santa and read their Christmas lists to the elves.  What else do you say?  Sopes tried to tell Jake that Mom and Dad love each other, right there I stopped him!  For a 12yr. old, nothing Dad could say would make it better - just more awkward.  

Jake had to be at school by 7 this morning for his music class.  It's hard enough getting him out of bed on a normal day, but 7am to sing was crazy.  He was pretty pissed off, but I can't blame him.  If it wasn't 50% of his grade, I doubt he would have even mentioned it. Lyla on the other hand was at school by 7:30 for chorus, but couldn't be more excited - girls are different.

Here are a couple pictures that were taken by Sportsnet yesterday at the house.  Big kudos to Patrick Grier and Matt Marstrom for being so kind and respectful!~

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great News at Our House!!

Very early morning today.  Sopes arrived at 6:55, came home and we quickly said hello and I was off to take Jake to school.  Thankfully, he fell right into "Daddy Mode" and helped the girls get dressed for school.  I'll always take the extra help!

So, I've attached a photo of Sopes and I at our new RETAIL LOCATION!  Yup, we're opening a store!  It's been very exciting, yet exhausting.  We're hoping for a Feb. opening date - but you never know in retail.  We'll keep everyone posted on details...

Now I'm off to take a much needed nap while I've got Sopes home!!

Spiked Eggnog - Quick!!

Loooooong weekend!  O.k., I love being a mom –I’m officially BURNTOUT!!  The girls have a habit of arguing, yelling, and hitting each other (like most siblings).  I played hardball this weekend and cancelled all play dates and fun activities.  Yup, “Mean Mommy” award goes to me!  All parents know that punishing children actually hurts us too. 

I probably should have been drinking all weekend to ease the frustration.  Numb it all – right?  Nope – even out to dinner on Saturday night I ordered a glass of wine and the girls started telling me how we would have to call a driver because I can’t drink and drive.  Great, now it sounds like Mommy’s a damn lush – wish I was!  The wine sat, and Sprite was my choice.  Spiked eggnog would have been perfect - screw it, spiked anything would have been nice.

We decided to go out on a whim because Jake was at a friend’s birthday.  Of course, we picked the worst place to go with my anxiety.  Before we knew it, 23 carolers were serenading us in languages I didn’t even know existed!  It would have been better if I was prepared for it, or even knew the songs.  Jayla and I don’t do well in small groups like that when they’re staring.  Not my idea of a quiet dinner.

On Sunday, I had one request.  Please help Mommy organize the hats, gloves and scarves.  Simple enough.  No exaggeration, by 7 last night, I ended up doing it myself.  With girls, this was just time for dress –up.  I guess there was just a bit of relief that they found something to keep t hem occupied.  The cold weather sucks when you have an asthmatic child.  We get cabin fever real quick around here!

Here are some cute pictures I took of them – Yes, they actually tried to make outfits.  Jake didn’t find it so funny.  The mess really got to him, and he spent most of the day upstairs or down in the basement.

Getting ready for a Sopes sighting!!  He’s flying in pretty early tomorrow morning.  We’re actually filming a bit for Sportsnet in Canada.  Not sure how it will go, but it will definitely be eventful.  They’re going to meet him at the airport, and be with us for the day. When it airs, I’ll put a link on my blog so the Americans can see it too.

I’ll be doing a small video blog with Sopes for tomorrow – plus, some exciting news we have to share!!

 

Sopes Friday Blog -

 

Mommy, When Is Give-Up-Day?

Last night I'm sitting down to dinner with the kids.  As usual, we chatted about our days; only after we decided who should sit at the head of the table.  Sounds crazy, but I'm really old fashioned.  Some would say that I would have fit right in during the 50's.  With Paul out of town, the eldest male gets the head - Jake.  Lyla and Jayla were not too happy with that one.  Lyla tried to sit at the other end, but the table's rather large and she quickly felt out of place - back next to me she came.  (I know my sister is going to read this and give me a phone call - feminist.)

Anyway, during our chat Jayla asked, "Mommy, when is give-up-day?"  We were all looking at each other thinking, "What the hell is going on here."  Jake started laughing, and asked her how bad her day was.  After a couple minutes of prying, we figured out she was talking about Lent!  The poor girl just wanted to know when it would be here because she already knew what she would give up, chocolate.  Glad she's a planner!

So now I'm on my way to the store for Advent Calendars.  Every year this is Sope's job, but now I have to buy them and pretend they came in the mail.  I forgot yesterday and the kids were completely let down - they remember everything!  If only I could do that...